Independent Miami-Dade Public Schools Study Finds 23% Higher Learning Gains Among Pace AI Users
Eight-month evaluation finds AI-powered learning platform associated with 23% higher learning gains, 32% more measurable skill gains in reading and 13% more in listening, demonstrating the potential of personalized, purpose-built AI to accelerate adult English language learning
MIAMI, FL — An independent evaluation conducted by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) found that adult English language learners using Pace AI, an artificial intelligence-powered learning platform designed specifically for adult learners, achieved 23% higher learning gains compared with their peers. The findings provide new evidence of how AI-powered learning tools can help adults overcome language barriers, accelerate learning and build skills critical to further education and career advancement.
The eight-month evaluation examined standardized assessment results from over 3,400 adult learners, comparing learning outcomes based on their use of Pace AI. The study used the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS), a nationally recognized assessment system used to measure foundational skills, including reading and listening, among adult learners.
23% higher overall learning gains among learners using Pace AI, including:
- 32% more learners demonstrating Measurable Skill Gains (MSGs) in reading,
- 13% more learners demonstrating MSGs in listening,
The evaluation comes as adult education providers, employers and policymakers explore how AI can expand access to education and workforce training, particularly for adults who face language, literacy and numeracy barriers. For many of these learners, English proficiency is a critical step toward earning educational credentials, pursuing additional training and accessing better-paying jobs.
“As the daughter of immigrants, I saw firsthand in my own community how often language and other barriers can prevent so many talented, hardworking adult learners from reaching their full potential,” said Victoria Pu, Co-Founder and CEO of Pace AI. “So we built Pace AI specifically to help adult learners who are too often underserved and overlooked, and these findings reinforce our ‘why’: purpose-built tools that truly meet adult learners where they are can unlock tremendous opportunity and potential—not just for the adult learner themselves but for their families and communities.”
Pace AI provides personalized learning experiences designed to help adult learners overcome language, literacy and numeracy barriers. Its platform combines AI-powered tutoring, pronunciation feedback, reading, writing and listening exercises, and lessons aligned with the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS), a widely used assessment system in adult education.
The technology meets adult learners where they are, allowing them to practice independently, receive immediate feedback, and develop language skills relevant to everyday life, education and employment. Teachers can also assign lessons based on students’ proficiency levels and monitor their progress.
Beyond standardized test scores, the evaluation found strong support among teachers and students. In a survey of teacher respondents, 89% said they would recommend Pace AI to a colleague, while approximately 92% reported that the platform positively influenced students’ attitudes toward and engagement with technology. Among student survey respondents, 81% reported increased motivation to learn, and 78% said they would recommend Pace AI to other students.
For Vicki Greene, Chief Growth Officer of Pace AI and former CEO of GED Testing Service, the findings underscore the importance of evaluating education technology based on demonstrated learner progress rather than adoption or engagement alone.
“For adult learners who are balancing work, family, and so many of life’s responsibilities, success cannot be measured by hours spent in a classroom or time spent on a platform. It must be measured by progress in learning, advancement toward a credential, and access to career and life-changing opportunities.
I joined Pace AI because the mission goes beyond education technology. It’s about making sure adult learners have the right support and tools at the right time to build confidence, overcome barriers, and succeed not just on a test, but in life. When we focus on what learners actually achieve, we begin to change what’s possible for them.” said Greene.
The findings also highlight how AI-powered learning tools can complement classroom instruction. Teachers participating in the evaluation gave Pace AI an average rating of 4.34 out of 5 for both ease of integration into teaching and benefits to student learning. They identified real-time pronunciation feedback, round-the-clock AI tutoring and alignment with CASAS competencies as particularly valuable features.
For Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s third-largest school district, the evaluation offers insight into how emerging technologies can support adult learners while giving educators additional tools to address different learning needs.
As education systems face increasing pressure to improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a changing workforce, the findings suggest that AI-powered tools designed specifically for adult learners could play a meaningful role in strengthening foundational skills and expanding pathways to economic mobility. Indeed, for learners themselves, using tools like Pace has never been about the AI; rather, it’s about building the skills, confidence, and career readiness in ways that are context-relevant for the real world and helps them advance in their job. As one learner, Patricia, articulated, “The exercises are about real life. I practiced English for work and now I feel more ready for my job. Pace AI helps me.”
About Pace AI
Pace AI is an AI-powered learning platform designed specifically for adult learners, including English language learners, GED students, and individuals pursuing workforce training and educational advancement. Through personalized AI tutoring, standards-aligned instruction and real-time feedback, Pace AI helps learners strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and prepare for educational credentials and career pathways. The company’s mission is to remove language, literacy and numeracy barriers that limit access to economic opportunity. For more information, visit www.paceapp.ai.
About Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools is one of the nation’s largest public school districts, serving a diverse community of learners through K–12 education, adult education, career and technical education, and other educational programs.
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